I'm a 20-something foodie with a passion for cooking and a huge desire to show that living a healthy lifestyle can actually be easy and fun! I love my dog, I love my life and I love that you stopped by my blog so that I can share all that and more with you! Cheers!

I always have an abundance of fruit on hand during this season and I happened to have a ton of leftover strawberries that I needed to use soon! Since I was in the mood for a yummy, fresh salad, I used this vinaigrette recipe I absolutely love from Rachel Ray and thought it tasted delicious! I lightened her recipe up a bit by adding low-sugar strawberry preserves instead of jam and extra light olive oil as opposed to extra virgin. Next time I think I’ll add some poppy seeds to the dressing for a little bit of a variation. Of course I had to throw in some almonds because, well, they’re just sooo good! This is super easy, super fast and SUPER delicious!

Now go make a plate, pour a glass of wine and sit out on your back deck and enjoy this fabulous evening!

Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette Salad

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

2 tsp. low-sugar strawberry preserves (I used Smuckers)

1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar

2 Tbsp extra light olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

4 to 5 cups chopped romaine or mixed greens

1 pint strawberries, sliced

Instructions

Place strawberry preserves in a medium bowl and whisk in vinegar then extra light olive oil. Season the dressing with salt and pepper.

Add the strawberries and greens to a bowl and toss to coat evenly with dressing. Garnish with toasted almonds if desired, enjoy!

** Update: This is my 3rd post accepted onto Foodgawker! I won’t do these little updates anymore, but it just feels like such an accomplishment I want to share it with you all! It was also accepted onto Tastespotting as well!! I think I’m finally getting the hang of this.

This recipe looks delicious and healthy! I have some frozen strawberries so maybe I can try it out during the week! Congrats again, and don’t be sorry to announce your great accomplishment! You deserve it =]

Hi Kelly! First of all, congratulations on your Top9. The Enchiladas looks good! And this strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette looks delicious too! We have 2 strawberry monsters so I know this is a great recipe to use. Have a great weekend!

Love summer salads with berries. I happen to have two containers of strawberries, which I always like to keep on hand…have the mesculin salad as well, think I will make this yummy balsamic vinaigrette!Thanks for sharing…you’re a sweetheart:DDD

This salad looks great, great photo as well (obviously if it was accepted to FG and TS!). I am currently working with a restaurant that has a very similar salad to this, but with crisp duck as well, so delicious!